Probate & Estate Administration

Probate & Estate Administration in Cheyenne

Representing Personal Representatives, Trustees & Beneficiaries Since 1986

Managing an estate after a death involves legal deadlines, court filings, and decisions that affect everyone who inherits. We represent personal representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries through every stage of the process, from opening the estate to final distribution. Bailey | Stock | Harmon | Cottam | Lopez LLP has served clients in Cheyenne, Afton, and beyond since 1986.

Our practice includes both trust administration and formal probate. Whether the estate passes through a will, a revocable living trust, or no plan at all, we can guide you through administration and step in if a straightforward matter turns contested.

If you’re managing an estate and need guidance, call us at (307) 222-4932 or reach out through our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Why Cheyenne Families Choose Our Estate Administration Attorneys

Our attorneys bring over 175 years of combined legal experience across litigation, real estate, business law, and related practice areas. That breadth matters in estate administration, where a disputed asset or a creditor challenge can draw on any of those disciplines. Our attorneys hold an Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and we’ve handled cases before the Wyoming Supreme Court and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. If an estate dispute reaches that far, we can represent clients through that process.

We keep communication direct throughout. You’ll know where things stand, what’s due next, and who to call with questions. That consistency matters when you’re managing legal obligations while grieving.

How Formal Probate Works in Wyoming

For Cheyenne decedents, probate is filed with the Laramie County District Court, First Judicial District. The process begins with a Petition for Probate of Will (if a valid will exists) or a Petition for Administration (if there is none). The court then issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, the documents that authorize the personal representative to act on behalf of the estate.

From there, Wyoming law requires notice to heirs, devisees, and creditors, including publication in a newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks. Creditors generally have three months from the first publication date to file claims. Full probate administration typically takes six to twelve months, longer for contested or complex estates.

Small Estate Affidavit & Summary Distribution in Wyoming

Not every estate requires full probate. Wyoming law offers two shortcuts for qualifying estates.

Small Estate Affidavit

A small estate affidavit allows an heir to collect a decedent’s personal property without court involvement, provided at least 30 days have passed since death, no personal representative has been appointed, and the estate’s net value (after liens and encumbrances) falls at or under the threshold. For deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025, that threshold is $400,000 under Senate File SF0104, up from $200,000. The affidavit process covers personal property only, not real estate.

Summary Distribution

Summary distribution is a court-supervised shortcut available for estates at or under the same threshold. Unlike the affidavit process, it can include real property. Whether an estate qualifies for either option depends on the type and value of assets involved, not simply their total.

Schedule a Free Consultation

We offer free in-person and virtual consultations for those handling an estate in the Cheyenne area. Call (307) 222-4932 or contact us online to speak with an attorney at Bailey | Stock | Harmon | Cottam | Lopez LLP.

What a Personal Representative Is Responsible For

Once appointed, a personal representative takes on real legal obligations: locating and inventorying estate assets, notifying creditors and paying valid claims, filing any required final tax returns, and distributing remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. Wyoming law establishes a statutory framework for personal representative and attorney fees based on the estate’s value, subject to court approval.

If the estate’s debts exceed its assets, Wyoming law sets the order in which creditors are paid. Heirs aren’t personally responsible for unpaid estate debts, but the personal representative can face liability for missteps in the administration process. Knowing the rules before you act can help you avoid mistakes.

Assets That Pass Outside of Probate

Some assets transfer at death without going through probate court at all. Property held in a revocable living trust, owned in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, or transferred by a recorded transfer-on-death deed generally passes directly to the named recipient. Bank and investment accounts with valid payable-on-death or transfer-on-death beneficiary designations work the same way.

Wyoming doesn’t impose a state estate tax, inheritance tax, or state income tax, so most Wyoming estates aren’t affected by state-level tax obligations. Federal estate tax applies only to very large estates. Sorting out which assets are subject to the probate process and which aren’t is often the first question we help clients answer.

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Over 175 Years of Combined Experience
Consistent & Reliable Client Communication
Millions Recovered for Personal Injury Clients
Diverse & Extensive Appellate Experience
Excellence in Written & Oral Advocacy
Longstanding Reputation for Honesty & Trust
Genuine Concern for Our Clients & Their Families

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Proudly Serving Clients Across the State of Wyoming

“He gave me a tremendous amount of peace and easiness.”
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked with Mr. Harmon, and I appreciate all the hard work and dedication he put into my late mother’s estate case.”

- Nicole K.
“Mr. Bailey went above and beyond to help me.”
“Mr. Bailey went above and beyond to help me. Everyone I ever spoke with in the office was very very polite, helpful, and kind. I would highly recommend Bailey| Stock| Harmon| Cottam| Lopez LLP to anyone in need of an amazing attorney!! Thank you for everyt”

- Christy S.
“You can really tell he genuinely cares about his clients.”
“My case was fairly unique and somewhat complicated, but Doug took the time to guide me and explain the pros and cons of each decision that needed to be made. You can really tell he genuinely cares about his clients. If you want results, then choose Doug!”

- Joshua H.
“I would invest in his legal expertise again.”
“Dale rightly anticipated what the other party would do, and he knew when to push and when to let things go. I appreciated his wisdom, street smarts, and get-'er-done approach. We were all the better for his help, and I would invest in his legal expertise a”

- Synthia M.

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